The number of attendees and a lack of social distancing at an anniversary celebration at the Langdon Firehouse and Grill Sept. 19 prompted an anonymous complaint to RCMP. However, the business owners insist the sidewalk and patio party complied with Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) rules.
“We jumped through hoops to get this event approved by [Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis], Alberta Health and Rocky View [County],” said co-owner Aleesha Gosling. “When we got the green light, there was no way we couldn’t do it. It was a free event for the community.”
The event, which celebrated the restaurant's three year anniversary with outdoor performers and a beer garden, was capped at 184 people and security guards enforced the capacity throughout the night, Gosling said. The interior of the bar and restaurant was also barred from attendees, she added, while staff wore masks and stationed hand sanitizer throughout the establishment.
“All of the tables were well over the social distancing requirement,” she said. “They were about 10 to 15 feet apart. We had only four tables inside the beer gardens, which had a capacity of 60 people, so we weren’t encouraging any sitting or gathering. There was a whole bunch of standing room and the 184 people were in an area that was 100 feet by 150 feet. It was well over what it needed to be to get those numbers approved.”
Still, a complaint was sent to both Strathmore RCMP – which deployed officers to inspect the party – as well as Global News, who reported about the incident.
When reached by the Rocky View Weekly, Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Dale Morgan said the attending officers reported the event was “permitted” and “100 per cent legal.”
Gosling said she wasn’t surprised the complainant remained anonymous, as Langdon is a small community where most people tend to know each other.
“I’m not surprised and I believe the person who complained has genuine concerns,” she said. “I don’t think it was malicious in any way. I feel bad that we upset them by making them believe we were doing something that wasn’t handled professionally, but it absolutely was and we’re confident in that.”
Following the publication of the Global News story, Gosling said AHS contacted the Langdon Firehouse and Grill and representatives were on-site Sept. 23, inspecting the venue’s bar, restaurant and kitchen.
In an email, AHS Media Relations Officer James Wood said the organization did not receive a complaint about the event while it was occurring but has been in contact with the restaurant since.
“If AHS had received complaints, inspectors would likely have attended,” he said. “AHS has contacted the restaurant owner and is working with this facility to ensure future events are held in accordance with provincial guidance for outdoor gatherings.”
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
